Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

COMMERCIAL FAILURES. According to Kemp's Mercantile Gazette, the number of failures in England and Wales gazetted during the four weeks ending Saturday, Dec. 26th, was 398. The number in the corresponding four weeks of last year was 332, showing an increase of 6, being a net increase, in 1885, of 642. The failures were distributed amongst the following trades thus :—Building trades, 47; chemists and druggists, 1 coal and mining trades, 6; corn, cattle, and seed trades, 9 drapery, silk, and woollen, trades, 33 earthenware trades, 2 farmers, 19; furniture and upholstery trades, 6 grocery and provision trades, 60; hardware and metal trades, 13 iron and steel trades, 6 jewellery and fancy trades, 13 leather and coach trades, 20 merchants, brokers, and agents, 12 printing and stationery trades, 2 wine, spirit, and beer trades, 27 miscel- laneous, 62 total for England and Wales, 338 total for ditto during the corresponding four weeks of 1884, 332 total for ditto during the same period of 1883, 899. The number of bills of sale published in England and Wales for the four weeks, ending December 26th, was 1,066. The number in the corresponding four weeks of last year was 1,071, showing a decrease of 5, being a net increase, in 1885, of 546.

WALES IN DECEMBER. It is wonderful, when one watches the days, how few they are, even in the winter, during which walking out is an impossibility. In Wales, especially, so far as regards the places on the coast, this is the case. On some days one scarcely remembers that it is winter, so delight- ful and invigorating is the out-of-door life; for the roads are passable, and the air is exceedingly bracing, without the sting in it which is felt in some parts of our land. It is true that every week takes something from the beauty of the autumn. The leaves which still in many places hang upon the trees have lost their rich, warm colours, and are uniformly sombre. We walk over dead leaves, and look upon brown woods and stripped branches, and feel even here the sadness which always accompanies decay. And yet for those who love nature she has no moods that are altogether cheerless, and now there are fertile little nooks under the banks that show a thousand green plants looking as healthy as if the spring had already arrived. Indeed, one finds exquisite tiny ferns and dainty wild flowers that seem to have become confused in regard to the seasons, and are either keeping young when they ought to be old, or are precociously living before the usual birth-time. After a night of frost there is no more enjoyable way of spending three or four of the mid-day hours than looking into the recesses of a wood. The hard, crisp ground is pleasant for walking; the trees, and perhaps the mountains, shelter us from the cold breeze, the sun shines much more frequently than one would suppose; and there are a thousand interesting objects on which to gaze. It is a place in which to realise and greatly re- gret one's ignorance. We find plants and shrubs, and even trees that we never saw before, and the names of which are unknown to us. Beautiful little strange birds hop about the path, and make soft sounds that indicate more wel- come than fear. Rabbits and hares run away from us, and squirrels look curiously down from their hiding-places. There are whispers in the woods that do us good to hear, and the com- munion with nature never goes far without becoming communion with God. Altogether a winter's ramble in a Welsh wood is a pleasure so great that we wish every one could share in it; and especially that those who are suffering from the present-day excitement could try the com- posing effect of this sedative. Our Welsh cousins,-are they cousins or brothers and sisters ?-have much to be grateful for in regard to their land. It is really impos- sible to go anywhere, at any time, without being charmed by its beauty. Certainly one would not prefer to travel there or anywhere else on a wet day; for rain has the effect of fog (of which we have seen very little in the Principality) and hangs an opaque curtain in front of all pictures. But in any weather other than wet there is much to be seen, and everything to be admired. We took a journey through what was before an un- known region to us; that which lies between Carnarvon and Afon Wen. It was raining, and we thought the prospect altogether dreary and uninteresting but a few days later on a .fine day we went over the same ground, and endorsed the opinion of a friend. "There is not one of these places in which I should not like to spend a few weeks." Just now the mountains are beautified with snow, not regular robes of it, but graceful trimmings, collars and crowns, and jewels. At Barmouth, the east wind is kept off by the hills, but those who are not afraid to face it, and are able to climb over the heights, or take a couple of miles of the Dolgelley-road and reach the Panorama Walk, can, if the afternoon be clear, see such a sunset as they will not soon forget, Cader ldris and his frowning companions get warmed into smiles and geniality, as the wonder- ful colour-giver lights up first one part and then another, and rock and river, seas and skies, an covered with harmonious beauty. In the good days which possibly may be not veryiar away, when the crowds that have been so eager to flock to the towns, and have left the villages smaller still, shall have found out their mistake, and desire to return to the old primitive ways of their forefathers and live the more natural and healthy life of the country, it is to be hoped that the Welsh will be moved by fraternal feelings, and let multitudes of us live with them. Their land is amazingly beautiful. but there is a vast expanse of it rather difficult of cultivation. Men can live where even sheep cannot, and there is water enough coming from the springs to supply the thirsty millions of our great cities. How splendid it would be if some philosopher and philanthropist should discover how to turn to good account a few of the barren slopes of the hills by making it possible for the world's work to be done there, where there is plenty of space in which to do it, and for the workers to live where, instead of the perpetual outlook on brick-houses, there should be the tranquillising and inspiring sight of green moun- tains and changeful seas. We wonder if land is expensive in Wales; if not, it really does seem as if the three acres, if not the cow, of which we have lately heard so much, might yet be a dream fulfilled to the people. MARIANNE FARNINGHAM. —Christian World.

FOOTBALL. CORWEN v. LLANGOLLEN VICTORIA.—A match between the above teams was played on the ground of the former on Christmas Day, in the presence of a good number of spectators. Owing to the late arrival of the visitors there was only an hour's play, and after a very evenly contested game ended in a draw, neither side scoring. Owing to three of the Victoria team arriving late, they were substituted during the first half time by three of the second team. Teams—Corwen Goal, W. Jones backs, W. R. Williams and Thomas Jones; half-backs, H. Parry, J. E. Thomas, and T. Jones right wing, W. Parry and A. Jones left wing, G. Thomas and T. Lloyd; centre, J. Parry. Llangollen Victoria: Goal, J. Humphreys backs, E. Evans and J. Jones half-backs, G. Jones, E. Davies, and H. Jones right wing, E. Evans and J.Lloyd left wing, J. Richards and C. Davies centre, J. Jones.

WHITE'S MOC-MAIX LEVER TRUSS is the most effective invention for the treatment of Hernia. The use of a steel spring, so hurtful in its effects, is avoided, a soft bandage being worn round the body, while the requisite resisting power is supplied by the Moo-Main Pad and Patent Lever, fitting with so much ease and closeness that it cannot be detected. Send for descriptive circular, with testimonials and prices, to J. White and Co. (Limited), 228, Piccadilly, London. Do not buy of Chemists, who often sell an IMITA- TION of our Moc-Main. J. White and Co. have not any Agents. (1671) WARNING.—When you ask for RECKITT'S BLUE see that you get it. The Manufacturers beg to caution the public against imitation square Blue, of very inferior quality. The Paris Blue in squares is sold in wrappers bearing their name and Trade Mark. Refuse all others.

THE COLLIERY DISASTER IN SOUTH WALES. The appalling calamity that occurred on Wednes- day week has now been measured. The killed do not near the total estimated in our last issue, but the list of the dead, now accurately ascertained, is sufficiently terrible. It numbers 77, and besides these 9 lie wounded, and some of them beyond hope. That day and the next the air was filled with wailing for the dying and the dead; wives and mothers were wringing their hands and piteously moaning in every other house in the village. With most of them the spring of tears had soon dried up, and they presented an aspect of stricken sorrow even more pitiful than that of those who had still the relief of weeping. One by one the corpses were being carried home through the hushed street, whilst the villagers looked on in blank dismay. The lowered blinds indicated the destinations of the bearers. Women who were not themselves bereaved drew their breath convulsively as those corpses passed, and shuddered to think of the calamity they had so narrowly escaped. For many hours nearly all those poor creatures were victims of the most sickening apprehension, and, if many more than was expected had emerged from the Valley of the Shadow of Death, their hearts were all the more sympathetic for those whose fears had become dreadfully realised. The compilation of the death list was a sufficiently trying task, but the visitation of their homes had nearly unmanned those officials who were instructed to arrange for the reception of the bodies and discover the circumstances of each family. All the dead had been recovered by Friday, and the workings are now fit for resuming operations. In one house there has been accumulating a row of no less than eleven coffins, those of relatives and lodgers with them. In no other was there an array so numeri- cally appalling, but in very many the dead were far from being in the singular number. Everything that human sympathy could suggest was being done for the poor and bereaved, but their grief was beyond the reach of alleviation by human hands. Most of the 75 died from the effects of afterdamp, and, to judge from their looks, passed away without suffering, for their visages are placid, as if in sleep but in many instances severe burns and fractured thighs, legs, and heads had previously been suffered, the agony contorting the features. In some cases the injuries were frightful. One fine young fellow had been absolutely cut in two. The number who actually died in the pit was 75, the other two having died after being brought to the surface. Of the nine wounded, three are in a critical condition. At the time of the accident there were 773 men and boys in the colliery. About one in ten has therefore been lost. All the survivors were brought to the surface before midnight on Wednesday, and by breakfast time next morning the dead had been recovered. The North Wales quarrymen have sent to Mardy proffering assistance in the relief of the sufferers. The colliery proprietors have given ze300 and Lord Bute £ 200.

For a sustaining, comforting, and nourishing beverage, drink Cadbury's Pure Cocoa, and do not be persuaded to accept a substitute.

[CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAMS.] L LLANGOLLEN ADVERTISER OFFICE, Thursday Evening. MR. FORSTER'S HEALTH. Mr.Forster's condition remains unchanged,though his night was sleepless. THE RENT AGITATION IN WALES. The rent agitation in Wales is spreading. The tenants of the Earl of Denbigh, Lord Mostyn. Sir Edward Bates, Sir Piers Mostyn, and others, are agitating for a reduction in their rents. A HEAVY FAILURE. In the London bankruptcy court, to-day, a receiving order was made against the estate of Messrs. Eugen Scharrer and Co., merchants, of East India Avenue. The liabilities are stated to be £ 100,000.

t RUABON. YJREASONABLE GIFT.-The Rev. Llewelyn Griffith, J.1' °f Penynant, has given to all his old servants on of coal, which at this time of the year will Very much appreciated.

BRYMBO AND BROUGHTON. d CIIRISTMAS GIFTS AT BRYMBO HALL -On Fri- y Mrs. Osborne Morgan, Brymbo Hall, with her cus^oin) distributed the usual Christmas in ft! w^en upwards of 120 widows and aged poor bon Paris!h. were the recipients of her seasonable %rieV0^ence' t'h-e gifts consisting of blankets, tea, and bread, and in addition upwards of f P°0r widows have fceen supplied with a bounti- fiallSUpPly S0UP twice a week from Brymbo

R RUTHIN. OF^VEB CAPTURE OP A THIEF.—The landlord ifton ^nck°r Inn having missed various sums of to th from ^is till, he, one day last week, affixed 0j, article of furniture a bell for the purpose his^n? an alarm- When seated at a meal with ij. ^ily, he heard the bell ring, and at once into the bar. He there caught Alice alias Llaenwen, in the act of taking 0Q ^ey from the till. She was at once given into den0 an<^ brought up before the Rev. the War- Whpaild Dr" Jenkins> 011 the Wednesday following, lab S^6 was 8eut to gaol for one month's hard ?er ^sband is at present undergoing two t-tts' similar treatment.

T CEFN AND RHOSYMEDRE. OH PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL.—The re- services at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, ^ere C6' .a^er the addition of a porch and vestry, sey Coritinued on Sunday week, when two able Ptin °IlS Were Poached by the Rev. J. McPherson, OPal of the Primitive Methodist College, alSo G ester. The Rev. J. Grainger, of Ruabon, ey6ri-Preached in the afternoon. On Monday lectnm§:. the Rev. Mr. McPherson delivered a i)°U Freedom of the Church from State ^taiH ckair was occupied by Mr. George ^ero The Sunday services and the lecture eac& Well attended.

JOHNSTOWN. K AL ENTERTAINMENT.—The English Con- ^eet ts of this locality held their annual 0n Christmas Day. A goodly number of f°?eH?ra'• sch°lars, and friends, partook of tea ititer p the afternoon. In the evening a very by entertainment was given, presided over r> Hezekiah Jones, Rhos. Songs, dialogues, Stations, were given by Misses Lee and the Rev. H. J. Haffer, pastor, and Messrs. ^cL^ewsham Hughes, London; Johnson, ^°dn t ^erce' an<i others. Miss Hughes of 5°ted an(* Hughes, Gaerdden House, accompanists. The attendance was most Paging.

.1tlt) GLYN CEIRIOG. Iter .-On Monday evening, Dec. 28th, a the feting was held at the C.M. Chapel, under ^juPSidency of ttie Rev- J- Humphreys. The ^Ug.ilGat°rs were Messrs. Williams, Hafodygareg, Vuv68' Blaenycwm, Jones, Pontymeibion, Jones, lecitin °es' Einion Ddu, and Mrs. Burgess. For ^essrs- T- Humphreys, Nantyr, E. Davies, and Ed. Phillips were awarded prizes. Mr. Coni^.rjchards, Pontymeibion, won in the spelling ftigirvtion. The best writers of a "Letter to a ^ISS A 111 Miction" were Mr. W. Davies, Gelli, and Q ^ones> Chapel House. Song, Hen Feibl Ilhvl » Geo. Evans. Competition in singing TtyQ on the words Wrth gofio 'i riddfanau, &c." tW Parties came forward, the better one being w of Mr. Ellis Hughes. Mr. J. Williams, Hafod- ,Theroved the winner of the prize for singing K Disappointed Lover." Miss Hannah Roberts, tii cha, Nantyr, took the prize for the treatise J0i e elements and conduct of a good wife." Mr. Ggij. Edwards, Coedyglyn, and Mr. Wm. Davies, Vj ^ere the bards who mostly distinguished e%S8e*Ves' ^-S many as f°ur persons were adjudged Mr fas composers of an air tune. For the best stockings, A. Richards, Pandy, was given the aU(i Mr. W. Griffiths, Glanyronen, took the pa loa"'M for the best-made walking-stick. Two <lr|js(.es competed in rendering "Tori mae y dwfn V^wydd "—one from Glyn and the other from y1—the latter being the superior one.'—Beta.

A DENBIGH. H E STEALING CASE.—At the court house, day,a y°un £ married man, well connected, John Thomas Lloyd, was charged with Unei 'a horse, saddle and bridle belonging to his Aggvjj! Hugh Hughes, Pant Farm, Cefn, near St. fe^' ^isoner had only been released from jail steali weeks ago, having undergone a sentence for thg a valuable horse belongihg to an aunt. In Itr.' jjeseQt case he had stolen the horse belonging to CQJL ^ghes, valued at £ 20, taken the animal to 11 ^air, and sold it for £ 9 to Mr. Francis Tranmere, Birkenhead, the latter calling a ^rd 11 witness the sale and payment, as he had Ptig0n torse-stealing cases, though not suspecting er- The prisoner left the saddle, &c., at Cor- ^hoL^!1113 Liverpool, and there invested the 4^er. the money in a ticket for his passage to t<wca and in a variety of articles which he would Self e °a the journey and on landing, leaving him- ^as ? to start life on the other side." He MUW°w?ver> captured by the Liverpool detectives to o Soing on board the steamer, and handed over qbfe" e Denbigh police. Prisoner, who made no ee, was committed for trial.

4. LLANTYSILIO. OF JJ 1VERSARY SUPPER.—The anniversary supper and Mrs. Windsor's housewarming at the Hotel took place on Tuesday night, J>t6SfJ^re was a large and respectable company tefieG, The catering was of a high order, and tiie j.p ?reat credit pn the host and hostess. After speechnaova^ the cloth, a few complimentary ,es were delivered, interspersed with some °'elock ^n^.S- The company dispersed about twelve having spent a very pleasant evening.

OP PROCTORS FOR ST. ASAPH.—The °H \y ? proctors for St. Asaph diocese took place nes(^ay, the nomhaations having been made by Arp-L^0, Archdeacon Foulkes presided, assisted ^er6 wa^eac°n ',St.uart, and the various candidates °l<i t>rnef represented, the result being that the two I°tin» ° £ s were re-elected, the following being the r^en~T Canon Richardson, rector of lieif' the Rev. Canon R. D. Thomas, vicar riocese" and author of The History of St. Asaph il^dvr -^avi(I Williams, rector of jj and rural dean of Denbigh, 79; the 6 latp "•■Edwards, vicar of Ruabon (brother of Slu p^e"-known Dean of Bangor), 53." Mr. P^^STONE'S BIRTHDAY.—The anniversary Uesdav 7rr°ne'a ^6th birthday was celebrated on rp,at Hawarden in a very quiet and simple v? a&e vT;ras 110 attempt at decoration in the ut during the morning the parish church R ^ladft Qlefry crimes. Most of the members of + 1 dav 0ne 8 family were at the castle, and during rS^grama'11j!e:x;kraor<^nary number of letters and Walpl congratulation arrived. The Prince nt1 Accept our best wishes on aohi- „ y°ur birthday." Among the other 5°l8e, Ti3,8 one "from R. R.Williams, Regent angollen Hearty congratulations on „°^o\ver /^rthday, from a humble but devoted thp 70u be spared to guide for years to f^et to OOI VMIES of tilis ffreat empire." A ban- ^terT^v ,ate ^e event was given by the CwApaf n^ht. R 0CTOII ,ER OP ST- ASAPH APPOINTMENT OF m CatfoXti ^^eeting of the Great Chapter of p Aaov,^ phurch, held in the Chapter House +if°ctor other week, for the election of vT6 Hey n_JfPreT^nt the Chamber in Convocation, t?s Unan;r« 0n n Howell Evans, vicar of Oswestry, v, ^Htvpst T1T?UsJy elected. Canon Hugh Jones, of j theo ffice for the past 13 ^pressed a wish not to be re-elected.

LLANARMON DYFFRYN CEIRIOG. A LITERARY FESTIVAL was held here on Christ- mas Day, the first meeting being presided over by Mr. R. Roberts, Drwsynant. The programme com- prised a recitation by children of a hymn. Best, Jane Morris,Shop; second, Catherine Evans, Llwyth- der Ucha. Rendering of the duet" Gadewch i Blant bychain." Two parties competed. Best, Mr. W. Morris, Shop, and Miss Morris (his sister). Mr. Jno. Davies, Cefn Canol, was the successful competitor in the composition of a stanza on The Rain," as well as in the making of poetical verses on The Election." For writing a treatise on The Disad- vantages of Women to Social Progress" Mr. E. Roberts, Drwsynant, had the first prize, and Miss Hannah Roberts, Nantyr, the second. Rendering of Yr Udgorn a Gan," the choir being led by Mr. R. Morris. For pointing the tune Calfaria on the modulator the first prize was awarded to Mr. W. Morris, Shop, and the second to Miss Jane Morris (his sister). In the competition of translating a piece into Welsh, Mr. R. Morris, Gelli, took the prize, and the same individual also won the palm for writing down a strange melody as it was being sung. Competition in giving the trio "Can y Gwaith," when Mr. J. Williams, Hafodygareg, and party proved the victors. The Morrises of the Shop won the prizes offered for distinguishing musical notes by the year. Tune, Clychau hedd," by the juvenile choir.-The president of the evening meet- ing was Mr. Edward Lewis, Perllenhelyg. After a tune by the congregation, and a pithy address by the chairman, there was a recitation of 16 lines from the Hymn Book, Masters W. Davies, Gelli, and R. Hughes, Migin, being adjudged equal. Rendi- tion of Y Lloer by the Llanarmon Choir, led by Miss Williams, Shop. Only one party, that of Mr. J. Williams, Hafodygareg, came forward to compete in rendering 11 Clychau yr Hwyr," and they were deemed worthy of the prize. Mr. R. Morris was the best for translating words from English into Welsh. In the competition of writing a Welsh letter to a male or female missionary the pro- ductions of Mr. Davies, Pantiau, and Mr. H. Roberts, Nantyr, were thought to be of equal merit. Ren- dering of I- Y Gwlithyn by a mixed choir. Mr. J. Williams and party were the best in performing the quartet Mi a welaf mewn adgof." Adjudication of the chief essays on The teaching of the Bible as regards Christian labour," when the prize was divided between Mr. H. Roberts and Mr. E. Roberts. The prize in connection with the solo competition in rendering "Ffarwel" was taken by Mr. J. Williams, Hafodygareg. Miss Edwards, Ty'ntwll, Llawenog, was the best knitter of a pair of stockings for a man. Mr. J. Davies, Cefn Canol, was the victor in his speech on the Welsh proverb "Hwde i ti, a moes i minnau." Several persons competed to render a musical piece at first sight, but Mr. Ellis Hughes and party, of Nantyr, were those who succeeded to send the stone to the wall." A party of eight from Nantyr also took the prize for singing Clychau yr Hwyr," they having no rivals. Competition between the choirs of Llanarmon and Llanrhaiadr-yn-Moch- nant in rendering the anthem Dy werthfawr Air" (D. Lewis), the former being victorious. Mr. R. Roberts, Drwsynant, in his adjudication of the 17 wooden spoons sent in, through his peculiar mental qualities, in giving his different delineations of these utensils, excited much mirth among the audience, and pronounced that made by Mr. J. Edwards, Pentre, as by far the best. The adjudicator of the musical and poetical competitions was the Rev. J. Gwynoro Davies, Llanuwchllyn of the treatises, the Rev. E. Thomas, Llanrhaiadr those who gave judgment in the several other competitions being Mrs. Jones, Nantyglog, Mr. Jones, chemist, Oswestry, Mr.E. Lewis, Perllenhelyg, Mr. R. Evans, Llwythder Issa, and Elizabeth Evans, Tregeiriog.-Beta.

WREXHAM. DEATH OF MR. JOHN PIERCE.-We have this week to record the somewhat sudden death of Mr. John Pierce, who for upwards of twenty years has carried on the business of cooper in this town, and was consequently well known in the district. Till within four or five days of his death deceased was in his usual health, when he contracted a severe cold, which ultimately caused symptoms of a more serious nature to ensue, resulting in congestion of the brain, to .the effects of which he succumbed on Friday afternoon, at his residence, 3, Bryn Draw- terrace, Penybryn, at the age of 44 years. Mr. Pierce leaves a widow and seven children, the two younger of whom are but five weeks old. Deceased was formerly a member of the Denbighshire Yeomanry Cavalry he was a sidesman at the Parish Church, where his attendance was most regular, and he was also a thoroughly loyal ad- herent to the Conservative cause. The funeral took place on Tuesday week, at the Ruthin-road Cemetery, the service being conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. Canon Howell, B.D.). OPENING OF THE POST OFFICE.-The long-felt want of a new Post Office for Wrexham has at last been met, a new building having been erected in Egerton-street, which, besides being an ornament to the town, is in all respects a great public boon. The new building was commenced on May 23rd, and was open for the despatch of business on the 23rd ult. The architect of the new structure is Mr. A. C. Baugh, whose plans were unanimously approved by the Government, the contractor being Mr. W. E. Samuel, and to say that he has given every possible satisfaction is simply to record a fact patent to all who have inspected the new premises, the workman- ship and the general carrying out of the undertaking being beyond all praise. The cost of the building is about £2,000, the owner of the property being the Rev. T. Llewelyn Griffith, Penynant, Ruabon, and the building has been let to the Post Office authori- ties on lease. The building is of a plain, substantial character of red brick, 53 feet in height, with a frontage to Egerton-street of 41 feet 6 inches, and to the new street of 74 feet six inches, and the external appearance, with the royal arms over the entrance, is very imposing. EISTEDDFOD G.A.DEIRIOL.-This eisteddfod was held in the Public Hall, on the afternoon and evening of Monday, Dec. 28th. The afternoon meeting was presided over by Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Bart., when competitions in music, poetry, and art took place. The chairman, in his opening address, urged the necessity of his countrymen cultiva- ting a taste for drawing, painting," &c., and not to confine their attention too exclusively to music and poetry. In the absence of the Rev. W. Glanffrwd Thomas, vicar of St. Asaph, Penrhyn Fardd and Caernyson acted as conductors. The programme was lengthy. The prize for the duet, The two Colliers," was won by Mr. D. Lloyd, Rhos, and friend that for the best wood carving," by Alaw Cristionydd that for the best translation, by Miss Evans, daughter of the Rev. S. Evans, Llandegla, and that for the best rendering of the soprano solo, The Shipwreck," by Mrs. S. Jones, Minera. Mr. Prichard (Machrydd), Rhos, took the prize for the song, Can y Twrne," and Mr. E. Davies, Rhosddu, that for the best song on "My Mother's Portrait." For an essay on "The value of education, and its influence on society," Mr. George Edwards, Brymbo, was adjudged best. The prize for an essay on The duty of a mistress towards her servant," was divided between Mrs. S. Jones, Minera, and Miss Jones, Abbot-street, Wrexham. The best" Pastoral Song was that of the Rev. R. Machno Humphreys, Baptist minister, Bhosddu, for which he received the prize of two guineas. Two or three more subjects were also awarded, while some prizes were with held,for want of merit. The attendance at this meeting was not so large as might have been expected, and that owing. to a variety of causes.—In the evening a grand concert was given under the presidency of His Worship the Mayor, who on taking the chair made a few happy encouraging remarks. At this meeting the adjudication on the chair poem, "Abraham," was given. Four compositions had been received on the subject, each possessing con- siderable merit; but the chair was awarded to the Rev. R. M. Humphreys, who amidst great applause was chaired according to the ancient rite of the bards of the Isle of Britain. This being done, the bards, Dewi Ogwen, Neifion, Ieuan o Leyn, Penrhyn Fardd, and others, addressed him in lively and stirring stanzas. The artistes who took part in the evening's proceedings were Miss Jennie Owen, Holywell Miss Jones, Minera; Miss Annie Roberts, R.C.M.; Professor W. Davies, U.C.W., and Mr. J. Henry Dew. The accompanist was Mr. Tom Taylor, organist of Bersham Church. The Wrexham Glee Party also rendered valuable service. We were pleased to notice how very kindly Miss Annie Roberts was received by the audience. Before the close, the conductor announced in due form that the next eisteddfod would be held on Monday twelve-month, which will be a Bank Holiday. We should have stated that the adjudicator of the music was Alaw Ddu," Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

MR. H. L. SQUIRES ON THE DISESTABLISHMENT QUESTION. Mr. H. L. Squires, speaking at a recent meeting at Conway, made the following remarks on the above question During the last fortnight I have been present at nearly all the meetings held by Mr. Rathbone and Colonel West in the Vale of Conway, and whether in our largest towns,such asLlandudno andLlanrwst, or up away in our remote villages and hamlets, such as Eglwysbach, Maenan, or Gwytherin, I have found everywhere that on one subject, and one only, are the people thoroughly enthusiastic-that of the Disestablishment of the Church of England in Wales. Why is this so? I will give you one or two reasons which, I think, may account for it. In the first place, the grievance is one of sentiment, and as such shared by all Nonconformists, common and equally, whatever their position or occupation. In the second place,Nonconformists have been educated and trained to regard it as the great grievance to be kept steadily in view till remedied. And lastly, they look upon it as a grievance admitting of a complete remedy uow almost within their grasp. The poor farmer, to whom we offer, by way of comfort, the abolition of primogeniture, entail and settlement, ultimate redemption of the tithes, and cheap registration of the sale of lands, or even some easy method of arbitration as to rents and compen- sation, knows very well that all these will be but gradual in their operation, and that his rent, and the value of his produce are the two things which affect him most, and that any legislation can do little for bim in the present. But disestablishment and disendowment are complete remedies, which remove at one stroke the cause of endless jeal- ousies and bitterness, and allow the national mind to be diverted into smoother and happier channels. And now a word on disendowment. Speaking at Conway some time ago, I denounced the printed programme of the Liberation Society as sheer robbery, in so far as it proposed to deprive Churchmen of their old parish churches, and appropriate all endowments made prior to 1818. When Mr. Fisher, the agent of the Libera- tion Society, came to Conway, he publicly en- dorsed my sentiments so far as to repudiate the programme of the Liberation Society as binding on Nonconformists in Wales. Mr. Fisher agreed with me that endowments given since 1660 might fairly be left to the Church, and he also agreed that public opinion was strongly against the alienation of the old parish churches, and he was further willing that parsonages and glebes should be allowed to be bought back again (by the Church) on the same terms as in Ireland. Now, I have asked many of our leading Noncon- formists as to their opinion in this matter, and I find it coincides with the views of Mr. Fisher and those which I hold myself. And I do wish that some of our leading Nonconformists, to- gether with a few of our leading Liberal Church- men, who are in favour of disestablishment, would formulate and publish a moderate scheme for disendowment in Wales. By so doing they would, I am sure, greatly assist and accelerate the settlement of the question. Let the cry of rob- bery be silenced. The Irish Church has been disendowed. If that was robbery, then our late Government, and all who have acquiesced in it since are robbers. In my opinion the Church in Wale's would be very wise now to come forward and meet Nonconformists, and not only agree to a scheme, but insist upon it being carried out in this very next session of Parliament. One point more and I have done. I wish to speak of this question of disestablishment from one point which has, I think, not received suffi- cient attention. I refer to the great injury that is inflicted on the Welsh national character, by leaving this running sore, the open question, so Inner unsettled. leaving this running sore, the open question, so Inner unsettled. Sometime ago a friend, a Welshman, remarked to me—he was speaking principally of South Wales—he said: I notice a great change has come over the character of the Welsh poorer classes during the last 20 or 30 years. They used to be so light-hearted and merry, so trustful and simple-minded. Now, they seem as though burdened with some weight, and as if all the old life and gladness had gone out of them.' Well, be that as it may, there is no gain saying that for the Welsh Nonconformist to live year after year with a sense of injustice and unfairness, even of oppression, smouldering and rankling in his heart must inevitably destroy, or tend to destroy, many of the noblest qualities of the national character. This question of disestablishment hangs over the Welsh nation like a poisonous cloud and until we once and for ever get rid of it there can be no chance of forming a healthy and independent national public opinion. Why, if an angel from heaven offered himself as a political candidate he would have no chance. unless he were in favour of disestablishment. I pray that the day may speedily come when this cloud shall be dispersed, and we shall no longer have this wretched question in our midst, creating divisions where none ought to exist, and putting asunder those whom God has joined to- gether in the bonds and ties of national sym- pathies.

HOME & FOREIGN CHIT-CHAT. A poor woman, living at Gelly, has recently given birth to a child with two heads. The child, however, only lived a short time after its birth. A branch of the Primrose League has been formed at Ruthin. Portraits of Mr. Bickersteth and Mr. Pryce-Jones appear among a number of new M.P.'s in the Graphic. The death is announced of the Rev. Dr. Beres- ford, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of the Irish Church. Mr. Jones-Parry, M.P. for Carnarvon boroughs, is seriously ill at Madryn Park, his Welsh seat. The Rev. R. O. Williams, pastor of the C. M. Chapel, Dinorwic, distributed on Wednesday week a fat cow to the poor among the quarrymen who have been locked out at Dinorwic Quarry. As at present arranged, Parliament will meet on the 12th prox., and the Queen's Speech will be sub- mitted as soon as all the members have been sworn in-probably by Jan. 19th. The Globe announces that Canon Fleming, vicar of St. Michael, Chester-square, London, has been appointed Dean of Chester, in succession to the late Dr. Howson. No confirmation of the report had reached Chester last evening. The Michaelmas term at Llandovery College was brought to a close on Friday evening week with a very successful dramatic entertailliment given by the boys. There was a large attendance from the town and neighbourhood, including most of the leading gentry. r The Rev. G. B. Blomfield, M.A., vice-dean and one of the residentiary canons of Chester Cathedral, died on Thursday. While attending the funeral of the Dean of Chester, the reverend gentleman, who was 86 years of age, took a severe chill, and bron. chitis supervened. The managers of the Llanberis quarries last week refused the offer of the men to refer the dispute to arbitration. The strike is, therefore, to be prolonged, and there is much distress in the district. At Llan- ddulas quarries 3000 men are out, and there are no indications of a settlement. The Board of Guardians, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, have appointed a committee to watch, and if neces- sary, to resist the application of which Earl Brown- low has given notice for the purpose of enclosing common lands in the parish. A suit entered by Mr. Edward Hamer against Mr. Richard Jones, Llanrwst, has just been settled. Plaintiff claimed damages on the ground that he was misled as to the business done at the Belle Vue Hotel, Aberystwyth, prior to his becoming tenant. The assessor found for the plaintiff for upwards of £ 4.000. The Jewish Chronicle mentions as a remarkable fact that in the United States, with an estimated popu- lation of nearly half a million, there is not a single Jewish Member of Congress, whereas in England, with a total Jewish population much less than that of New York alone, no less than seven Jews have been elected members of the House of Commons. According to the Press Association, a most im portant bill relating to the subject of local govern- ment is being prepared by the Government. The bill, it is understood, is in the hands of a committee, which includes a former Secretary for Ireland, now a member of the Cabinet, and the President of the Local Government Board. Mr. Osborne Morgan, M.P., at Liverpool, on Tues- day night said there was so much free trade in educa- tion that the supply of intellectual wares was over- taking the demand, and that the working population were invading the professions a century ago regarded as the close preserves of aristocracy. Few experiences had been more painful to him than the number of applications he had received when holding a Govern- ment office from well-educated men for even menial. work to save them from starvation. Many of these could have better succeeded if contented with more humble positions. By taking a more rigorous measure of their powers in starting life much suffering might have been avoided. At Llandaff police court on Monday, Cyril Darcy was charged with burglariously entering the house of Mr. John Chorley, grocer, Llandaff. — Prosecutor stated that at four o'clock on Thursday morning, the 17th inst., he heard a noise in the house, which he thought was caused by a cat. He got up and went downstairs, and searched the premises, but saw nothing, till he reached the front door, when he saw the prisoner in the act of opening it. Witness at once caught him by the wrists and asked him what he wanted there. Prisoner replied, I came in for shelter." Prosecutor then aroused the other inmates, who took charge of the prisoner while he went for Sergeant Rees, who subsequently took him into cus- tody.-Prisoner was sentenced to three months' im- prisonment with hard labour. A man named Joseph Baines has been arrested at Barrow on the charge of murdering his wife. The two were quarrelling on Christmas Eve, the hus- band having been drinking, and about eleven o'clock on Christmas morning Mrs. Baines went into the house of Evans, a neighbour, whither she was fol- lowed, shortly afterwards, by her husband. He had no sooner got in than he said to Evans, "Johnnie, hear what a clatterer she is." Mrs. Baines immediately cried out, Oh, see he has got a knife," and began to walk backwards to the other side of the kitchen, in order to get away from him. As Mrs. Baines was backing she stumbled against a chair, and sank into it in a sitting posture. Baines immediately drew out of his waistcoat a butcher's knife, and stabbed her four times in the breast and abdomen. Mrs. Baines was carried into her own house, but died in about 15 minutes afterwards.

THE WINTER ASSIZES.—As stated in our last, the judge for the North Wales Circuit is Baron Pollock, who has fixed the dates as follows Welshpool, Monday, January 11th Dolgelley, Thursday, Jan. 14th; Carnarvon, Saturday, Jan. 16th; Beaumaris, Wednesday/J an. 20th Ruthin, Saturday, Jan. 23rd Mold, Tuesday, Jan. 26th Chester, Thursday, Jan. 28th Cardiff, Thursday, Feb. 4th. Mr. Baron Hud- dleston will preside at the Shrewsbury Assizes, which open on Saturday, Feb. 6th. Both civil and criminal business will be taken at these Assizes. M. PASTEUR'S HYDROPHOBIA PATIENTS.—On Sunday, Nov. 29th, a mad dog ran about the streets of a French village, and bit six people, including a police-sergeant. The preliminary pre- cautions were taken, and the six patients were conveyed to M. Pasteur's laboratory. There are 62 people now under M. Pasteur's treatment; they have travelled from all parts of the world, after reading his communication to the Academie des Sciences. We are authorised to state that M. Pasteur will receive for treatment any one who has been bitten by a mad dog and is in danger of being seized by hydrophobia.—British Medical Journal. ADVICE TO MOTHERS!—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth P Go at once to a chemist and get a. bottle of Mrs. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP." It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is perfectly harmless, and pleasant to taste,it produces natural, quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup is sold by Medicine dealers everywhere at Is. ltd. per bottle. (410c) T. FOSTER & CO., WINE, SPIRIT and TEA MER- CHANTS, to satisfy the growing local demand, now send CARRIAGE FREE to any Country Railway Station, lObs. and upwards of their noted TEAS at 1/6, 2/ 2/6 and 3/- per lb., or 1 dozen of Wines or Spirits. For full details of samples and terms, see new Price List, post free. T. Foster & Co.,45,Cheapside,London.(1214) Remember that for Corns and Bunions no remedy is equal to Allcock's Corn or Bunion Plasters. The universal verdict is that they relieve almost instan- taneously. Why cringe with pain, when by wearing one of these little plasters you can walk uprightly and wear the tightest boots with ease r Try a 7td. packet as sample. Sold only in two size packets, 7jd. and 13id.—[Advertisement.] (1245) 2 LUXURIANT AND BEAUTIFUL HAIR.—Da,. S. A. ALLEN'S WORLD'S HAIR RJSSTORER oa DRESSING never fails to quickly restora Grey or Faded Hair to its youthful colour and beauty, and with the first application a beautiful gloss and delightful fragrance is given to the Hair. It stops the Hair from falling off. It prevents baldness. It promotes luxuriant growth it causes the Hair to grow thick and s sov It removes all dandruff. It contains neitner oil no dye. In large Bottles—Price. Six bmihnga. Chemists and Perfumers. Depoc, London.—FOR CHILDREN'S HAIR—JIR». ALL ZYLOBALTAMUM "far excels any pomade or hair 01 alk » delightful Hrtr Dreeing .it — separate preparation from tlie Restorer, and its use nôt required with "iSTf He-rASTELESS » CASK* OIL. Is absolutely pure, almost colourless, and tree irom disagreeable taste' or smell. It is ^en both Dy children and adults without the shgnteat d^ult^ Its aperient effects are unquestionable." Lancet..In Bottles 6d., Is., Is. 9d., 3s. and 9a. Ask your chemist to procure it, if not in stock. Sole Manufacturers, ALLEN and HANBURYS, London.

LOCAL MARKETS. LLANGOLLEN, SATURDAY.—The quotations were as follow s. d. s. d Red wheat 44 to 4 6 Y\rhite wheat 4 4 to 5 0 Malting barley (per 70ib.) 4 0 to 5 4 Grinding do. 3 9 to 4 0 White oats 30 to 3 6 Black do 3 0 to 3 3 Beef (per lb.) 06 to 0 9 Veal ditto 0 7 to 0 8 Mutton ditto 0 6 to 0 7 Lamb 0 6 to 0 7 Pork. 0 6 to 0 7 Partridges 3 0 to 3 6 Hares. 2 0 to 4 0 Rabbits (each) 010 to 1 0 Fowls (per couple) 3 0 to 3 6 Ducks ditto 0 to 5 0 Geese (per lb.) 0 6 to 0 8 Turkeys (per lb.) 0 0 to 1 0 Onions (per lb.) 0 1 to 0 2 Soles ditto' 1 6 to 1 8 Plaice 0 0 t0 0 | Cod 0 6 to 0 8 Potatoes (per measure) 2 0 to 2 6 Butter (per lb.) 11 to 1 3 Eggs. 8 to 10 for 1 0 LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY. A small trade was done in wheat; Australian, Os. Od. to 7s. 6d.; Oregon, 7s. 2d. to 7s. 10d.; Californian, 6s. 9d. to 7s. 4d.; red winter, No. 2, 7s. Id. to 7s. 10d. Chilian, 6s. 6d. to 6s. 9d.; Bombay, 6s. 2d. to 6s. 9d. OSWESTRY, WEDNESDAY.-White wheat, 4s. 4d. to 5s. Od.; red wheat, 4s. 4d. to 4s. 6d.; barley 3s. 9d to 5s. 4d.; oats, 3s. Od. to 4s.; Od. potatoes, 12 lbs for 6d.; butter, Is. 2d. to Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, -to 9 for a shilling; fowls, 43. Od. to 5s.0d. per couple; ducks, 5s. 6d. to 6s. Od. per couple. WREXHAM, THURSDAY.—Wheat, 4s5.d. to 5s. 0d* per 75 lbs.; barley, 3s. 9d. to 4s. 3d.; oats,2s. 8d. to 3s- 2d.; butber, Is. Od. to Is. 2d. per 16 oz.; eggs, to 10 for a shilling fowls,2 s. 9d. to 3s. 6d.per couple; ducks. 4s. Od. to 4s. 6d. per couple geese, Od. to Od. per lb. potatoes, 2s. 3d. to 3s. Od. per 120 lbs.

JAMES CLARKE, REGISTRAR OF MARRIAGES, 20, CHAPEL, STREET, LLANGOLLEN.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, Se DEATHS. Persons forwarding to this office announcements of births, marriages, and deaths must at the same time give their names and addresses. When any addition is made to the simple notice of marriage a charge of one shilling will be made. BIRTHS. Dec. 17th, at 23, Mary-street, the wife of Mr. Thomas Davies, draper, Great Darkgate-street, Aber- ystwyth, of a son. .rr Dec. 29th, the wife of Mr. R. Hughe-, M.R.C.V.S., Willow-street, Oswestry, of a son. i Dec. 27th, the wife of Mr. John Lloyd, Caledfryn, Dinbren, Llangollen, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. Dec. 22nd, at the Parish Church, Holywell, by the Rev. R. Williams, M.A., vicar, John Robert Rees, of Aberystwyth, to Mary, daughter of Mr. Henry Judd, Holywell. Dec. 30th, at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Gloddaeth-street, Llandudno, in the presence of the Rev. R. Parry (Gwalchmai), registrar, by the Rev. J. J. Williams, Rhyl, assisted by the Rev. David Evans, Dolgelley, the Rev. J. D. Hughes, Taylor's Town, Rhondda Valley, S.W., to Miss Jones, the eldest daughter of the late Rev. Hugh Jones (C.M.), Llan. gollen. Dec. 28fch, at the Parish Church, Llangollen, bythe Rav. D. Carrog Jones, curate, Mr. Edward Edwards, late of Market-street, Llangollen, to Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr. John Price, Hall-street, Llangollen. DEATHS. Dec. 22nd, aged 82, Mary, wife of Mr. John Edwards, highway surveyor, Dolcniw, Penllwyn. Dec. 15th, at the Swan Inn, Chancery-lane, Cardi. gan, Mrs. Mary Jones, formerly of Gwbert, aged 63. Dec. 18th, aged 76, at Cefn Canol, Mary, widow of Mr. Edward Edwards, farm labourer. Dec. 21st, aged 26,at Upper Church-street,Oswestry, Sarah Ann, youngest daughter of John and Ann Griffiths. „ „ T IXTM Dec. 29th, aged 2 years and 6 months, James Wil- frid Young Parsons, fifth son of Mr. James Henry Parsons. Gas Works, Oswestry. Dec. 12th, aged 55, at 34, Farndon-street, Wrex- ham, Mr. Richard Prince. For MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEADSTONES AND WREATHS, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION OF MONUMENTAL WORK, APPLY TO WILLIAM WILLIAMS, AT HIS SHOW YARD, OAK STREET, LLANQ-OLLEN. [1563a]

£ 100,000,000 IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY.—COX & Co., 41, Southampton Buildings, Holborn, London, W.C., have just published a list of the heirs to this wealth. Reader, send a postal order of Is. 6d., and they will forward you this valuable list, and if you find by it that you are entitled to any money or pro- perty, claim your own. Cox & Co. will show you the way. WATCHES, JEWELLERY.—MIDIAND COUNTIES WATCH COM- PACT -[Cheapest house in the World] Ladies' or Gents' Fine Silver Crystal Glass, heavy Ladies' Watches, 25/ Ladies heavy-cased Gold Levers, 70/ Gents' do. do. do., 80/ Before purchasing send for Company's Catalogue, beauti- fully illustrated, 1,000 fine copper-plate engravings, gratis, Dost free on application to any part of the world. Apply Company's Manager, A. Percy, Vyse-street, Birmingham. The press universally recommend their readers to obtain a ^HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—Coughs, In- fluenza.-The soothing properties of these medica- ments render them well worthy of trial in all diseases of the respiratory organs. In common colds and influenza the Pills, taken internally, and the Ointment rubbed over the chest and throat, are exceedingly efficacious. When influenza,is epidem^ this treatment flio pa«ipst safest and surest. Molloway s rnis purify the blood, remove all obstacles to its free circufation through the lungs, relieve the over-gorged Sr-tubes and render respiration free, without reducing tbe strength, irritating the nerves, or depressing the tne srireubu readv means of escaping from Serlngwhen afflicted with colds, coughs bronchitis, and othfr chest complaints, by whicn the Health of so many is seriously and permanently injured in most °°ANPROMINBNT DIVINE'S EXPERIENCE.—The Bristol Times and Minor states thart in a conversation with a J-l"'Vcr ,jjViDe, he mentioned his experience m the use fan^article in favor of which so much is being said, He had suffered intensely with acute lumbago. He received from a friend a bottle of the remedy. It effected a speedy cure. He recommended it to others who used it with marvellous benefit. Mr. Henry Gould 24, Cumberland-street, Bristol, suffered in. tensely with rheumatism and had to give up work. He consulted doctors, took all kinds of medicine, but all to no use. He was advised to try St. Jacobs Oil- the remedy referred to. After using half a bottle, he was able to go to work entirely free from the com- plaint. One application of the magicalremecly instantly cured his wife of distressing tooth-ache. Never in the history of medical science, has a remedy been acoepted with such general approbation. St. Jacobs Oil is sold by Chemists at 2s. 6d. a bottle, or by post 2s. 9d., from the Charles A. Vogeler Company, sole Proprietors, 45, Farringdon Road, London. SAD DEATH OF A UOLLI^K—UEIU an inquest on Tuesday at Coedpoeth, on the body of a collier named Thomas Ellis, aged 34. Deceased was engaged the previous day at the Talwm coalpit in setting a prop, when a portion of the roof fell upon him and almost buried him alive. He died in two hours after being taken home. Ellis was the support of his aged father and mother. The inquest was adjourned,